It has been questioned for a while now if stem cells are used or not for adult mammals to make eggs. These germ-line stem cells may lead to treatment of infertility and other diseases (biologynews). Recently, scientists have discovered that mice do not use the stem cells to make eggs. In mice and humans, there are many germ cells in babies before birth. Many form into eggs and it is believed that you are born with a set number of eggs. The female goes into menopause when she runs out. This is why it was believed that germ-line stem cells were being used to produce more eggs, and sustain ovulation. These claims have now been proven wrong.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429154103.htm
ReplyDeleteSome Themes of Science that I found:
Collaboration: a group of scientists worked together using a method where they add genes to a cell to track it. By using this technique, they determined that germ cells are very stable and unchanging after birth.
Curiosity and Motivation: There are lots of people who want to have kids but struggle with infertility, which is why this study is happening